Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Cajun seasoning, tender shrimp, and juicy chicken in a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends. This dish is comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it combines chicken and shrimp, offering a variety of textures and flavors. The creamy sauce adds richness to the dish, making it a hit with everyone. Also, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can customize it to your liking by adjusting the spice level or adding veggies. Not to mention, it’s a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup—a win-win!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp and chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
You can serve this creamy pasta dish in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to make a complete meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests at a gathering.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preference for spice.
Variation
You can make this dish with just shrimp or just chicken if you prefer. You can also use different types of pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, to give it a different look and feel.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt mixed with milk.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can skip the shrimp and chicken and use a mix of your favorite veggies, like mushrooms and zucchini, for a delicious vegetarian version.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
Cajun Seasoning and Spices
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Proteins
- Season shrimp and chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
